EDITORIALS
A PLATFORM FOR POTSHOTSMay 3, 2015 -- The full page advertisement entitled “An Open Letter to the North Shore Community” that appeared in the Gold Coast Gazette recently raises serious ethical issues concerning the responsibility of the press when it comes to the sale of advertising space – in particular with ads that make unsubstantiated claims and allegations against individuals, and which do not include the name or contact information for the ad sponsor. READ MORE
PROFILES IN COURAGEApril 3, 2015 -- In 1957, then Senator and future President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, published a book that would earn a Pulitzer Prize that year entitled Profiles in Courage. It is a volume of short biographies of United States Senators who, risking their political careers, stood up to the powerful interests, party bosses, and constituents,and did what they believed to be the right thing, putting principle above politics, despite the impact that those actions and decisions might have on their careers. READ MORE
A VICTORY FOR DEMOCRACY AND REAL CAPITALISMPosted - March 4, 2015 -- Democracy rests on a foundation of freedom of expression and access to information from multiple sources, whether it’s from the media giants, the mom and pop local news source, the cranky blogger, or a community Facebook group; and capitalism only works when the playing field is level, enabling the best and most innovative to rise to the top, rather than a precipice, at the top of which predatory plutocrats perch, picking off those struggling to climb up. That is why, small internet content providers, like Northwordnews, exhaled a collective sigh of relief this past Thursday when the Federal Communications Commission in a 3-2 party line vote chose to re-classify the internet as a public utility under Title II of the Telecommunications Act of 1934. READ MORE
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITYPosted - January 14, 2015 -- It’s a pretty good bet that during the initial budget presentation that will take place at Thursday's North Shore Board of Education meeting and at budget discussions over the next few months, the words "fiscally responsible" will be tossed around quite a bit. Unfortunately, these days that expression has too often become a misapplied synonym for “keeping taxes as low as possible.” As we go through the budget process, the community and its elected representatives should not conflate the two - especially in the era of the "2% tax cap," a misnamed New York State mandate that each year actually encourages fiscally responsible school districts to push the tax levy to the legal limit, when it might otherwise not be necessary or desirable to do so. READ MORE
THE OYSTER BAY TOWN BOARD'S 12 MINUTE MEETINGPosted January 8, 2015 -- It should be no surprise that virtually no one was there to witness Tuesday morning's Oyster Bay Town Board meeting that lasted all of 12 minutes. Yes, the agenda was thin with only 25 resolutions to consider. However, of all local governments that have jurisdiction over areas of the north shore of Long Island from the Queens line through western Suffolk County, the Oyster Bay Town Board is unquestionably the most inaccessible, with meetings held at times that make attendance by the average citizen virtually impossible, and records of previous meetings frustratingly difficult to obtain. . . . READ MORE
CIVICS 101Posted - December 7, 2014 -- In a democratic society there is no tradition more important than on election night a candidate who has fallen short in his goal, congratulating the winner. Many of us stay up late to hear the loser courageously offer a concession speech – an awkward moment and one filled with tears and disappointment but perhaps our greatest tradition as it sends the message that democracy only works when those in the minority, however grudgingly, accept the choice of the majority. Without that, democracy collapses – a truth that Lincoln articulated better than anyone when he said, three years after 11 states did not accept the legitimacy of his election, that the Civil War was a “great test of whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated can long endure.” That is why there is no matter more serious than a person acting on his or her own belief that the result of an election is illegitimate – in this case, by petitioning a single appointed official to have the most recent North Shore Board of Education trustees election, in which 2436 citizens participated, overturned. And those taking such action must have the courage to say who they are and that they are doing so – to be open, honest, and forthright about it, to answer questions and defend their position publicly. For those citizens who took the time to research and learn about the candidates in this past May’s School Board election, and made it to the polls no matter how busy or tired, and cast votes – legitimate votes, honest votes, well-thought-out votes - they deserve no less. That is basic, it’s Civics 101. (T. Madden)
THE GOP PUP TENTJune 25, 2014 -- In kowtowing to Conservative Party bosses by withdrawing its nomination of Sea Cliff Mayor Bruce Kennedy as its candidate for the 13th Assembly District seat over objections to his having performed two same sex marriages, the Nassau County Republican Committee has completely abandoned the “Big Tent Party” ideal of the past and opted for a pup tent strategy – pandering to a tiny, narrow-minded element that is way out of the mainstream on social issues. READ MORE
WITH RESPONSIBLE SPENDING PLAN IN PLACE, DISTRICT SHOULD APPLY SAME WISDOM TO REVENUE SIDE OF BUDGETPosted, March 25, 2014 -- The North Shore Schools Superintendent has wisely proposed a fiscally responsible spending plan that keeps costs in check, in part as a result of needed administrative restructuring. Hopefully the district will apply the same sort of wisdom to the revenue side of the budget by resisting the temptation to make a politically expedient gesture that would save taxpayers $1 per month - and instead put before voters a tax levy that is not only within the legal limit of 1.898%, but that will also prolong the district's financial health and protect both educational programs and residents' property values. READ MORE
OPINIONS
ISSUE - OPTING OUT
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Received from Sea Cliff Village Mayor Bruce Kennedy
October 1, 2015 The proposed Glen Cove waterfront redevelopment, because of its tremendous density, is not just a Glen Cove issue – it is a regional issue. Former Mayor Tom Suozzi envisioned and proposed a true mixed use development for Garvies Point, consisting of shops, restaurants, office buildings, entertainment, and no more than 500 residential units. A planned hotel and conference center would draw visitors to Glen Cove, many via the proposed ferry. However, now the developer seeks to eliminate a substantial portion of the mixed use and dramatically increase the residential component to 1,110 units. READ MORE Received from Tom Young III
Sea Cliff October 1, 2015 BOO......HISS..... To the North Shore Board of Education( NSBOE) and Superintendent Melnick for again not mentioning any holidays, holy days or days of remembrance on the 2015/2016 school calendar. Yes, no Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, Presidents Day, GoodFriday, Martin Luther King's Birthday, Memorial Day and Fourth of July. Calendar just says CLOSED. However dear reader, are you aware each of these days are spelled out in the NSBOE employment contract with the Superintendent as part of his compensation package? READ MORE DELAY DECISION ON GARVIES POINT DEVELOPMENT UNTIL PROPER STEPS TAKENINDICATE HOLIDAYS, HOLY DAYS AND DAYS OF REMEMBRANCE ON SCHOOL CALENDARDEMOCRATIC ASSEMBLYMAN LAVINE CONGRATULATES REPUBLICAN PAUL MELI ON APPOINTMENT TO DISTRICT COURTReceived on February 27, 2015
Dear Editor, Paul Meli and I have a long history of being both friends and political adversaries. We are neighbors and, though we sometimes do argue over politics, we share a mutual passion to make our community a better place. And when it comes to politics, Paul and I do agree on about 95% of all the important issues. As far as the remaining 5%, he is clearly wrong 2½% and I am certainly wrong the remaining 2½%! Paul has been a real fighter for what he believes in and for Glen Cove. I want to congratulate him, Jo-Ann and his family on his appointment to the District Court. I know he will be a wonderful judge. Sincerely, Assemblyman Charles Lavine Assemblyman 13th District CHAIR Ethics and Guidance Committee CO CHAIR Legislative Ethic Commission THANK YOU TO THE GLEN COVE TEACHER'S ASSOCIATIONReceived on February 11, 2015
Dear Editor: Each year, the Glen Cove Youth Bureau sponsors Milk and Cookies with Santa, an enormous undertaking that brings Santa, gifts, refreshments and entertainment to approximately 200 boys and girls. This annual holiday treat would not be possible without the assistance of many elves in the community. One of the Youth Bureau’s strongest and most enduring partners in this endeavor is the Glen Cove Teacher’s Association. For many years, the Association has collected toys and donations from its members and delivered them to the Youth Bureau for distribution at Milk and Cookies with Santa. The evening is always filled with many special memories, but one of the most delightful is seeing the joy and anticipation on the faces of the young audience. I would like to extend a special thank you to the Glen Cove Teacher’s Association for their generous donations through the years. Not only do they exhibit care and thoughtfulness to the children in their classrooms, but also go out of the way to bring joy to young children throughout the City of Glen Cove. Sincerely, Arlene O’Dell Executive Director Glen Cove Youth Bureau 128 B Glen Street Glen Cove, NY 11542 PLAN B FOR ANIMAL SHELTER NEEDEDReceived from Carl Ruth Weber, Glen Cove
January 15, 2014 To the Editor: I am saddened and perplexed that Mayor Spinello has severed a longstanding relationship between our City and Joan Phillips, our friend and neighbor, who has long dedicated herself to caring for and protecting unwanted pets in our community. Joan and her volunteers at the Animal Lovers’ League deserve the thanks of all of us for their outstanding service and for being the champions of our fellow creatures who cannot speak for themselves. I understand that the Mayor believes he has the legal power to evict the League from City owned property. I do, however, have very serious questions about the ability and the capacity of the group that the Mayor has organized to take over the shelter. While they seem like well intentioned people, based on the presentation made at the City Council meeting on December 23, none of them have ever managed a shelter before, they are not Glen Covers, and their belief that they can construct an addition to the building for $300,000 is, at best, naïve. I suggest that the Mayor and the City Council establish a “plan B” in the event that this new and untested group is unable to provide Glen Cove with this essential service so that the cats and dogs at the shelter will remain safe and protected and so that our City will not be embarrassed if this new and untested group fails in its mission. Sincerely Carol Ruth Weber GLEN COVE VILLA PROJECT A POTENTIAL NIGHTMARE FOR SEA CLIFF; MEETING TUESDAY NIGHTReceived on September 27, 2014
To the Editor:
I'm writing concerning a situation that if passed will have an enormous impact on our Village of Sea Cliff. The City of Glen Cove will be voting to allow the building of SIX, four story high apartment buildings called The Villa, on this Tuesday September 30th. There will be 194 units that are expected to house 776 occupants. This proposed development will be on a narrow two block strip of land, on the east side of Glen Cove Avenue, on that very dangerous steep hill just south of the Boys club and a few blocks from the Village of Sea Cliff's border. READ MORE DISAPPOINTED THAT GOP PROMOTES DISCRIMINATION Received from Donna Kianka, Sea Cliff
June 18, 2014 Dear Editor: I was disappointed to read that the Republican/Conservative party recommends in an ad hoc fashion not obeying the laws of New York State and consequently promoting prejudice and discrimination. The withdrawal of support from Bruce Kennedy, a man who does uphold the law and does not practice any form of biased based decisions, certainly does suggest this. The decisions by these parties also suggests that Lou Imbroto also supports this position and is like-minded. If you feel that all people deserve equal and fair treatment then the Republican/Conservative party's actions and choices need to be factored into any voting decisions. In addition, does this mean I no longer have to pay my taxes, as we apparently have defaulted to a cafeteria style government? Donna Kianka Sea Cliff LET'S MOVE FORWARD AND COME TOGETHERReceived from Terry Glassman
May 23, 2014 To the Editor: So, I was at the BOE Meeting last night. During public comments there was a lot of emotional discussion regarding the politics of campaigning and the mud slinging that went on. I post this here in the hopes that we can all refocus on what our district is about. First and foremost, it’s about the children/our children. READ MORE LETTERS OF SUPPORT FOR MAY 2014 NORTH SHORE SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES CAN BE FOUND BY CLICKING HERE
TRADITIONAL METHODS OF PUSHING FOR REFORM ARE TAKING ROOT April 1, 2014
Eileen Stanton, North Shore Parent Action Committee The issue of High Stakes Mandated Testing is a concern of some parents around the country. For those against testing, refusing to allow their children to take the tests is a parental right and viewed as the best way to impact changes in the current mandates. NSPAC sees refusing the tests as a personal decision best left to each individual family and supports whatever decision is made. READ MORE THANK YOU FROM TRUSTEES-ELECT VILLAFANE AND MCGILLOWAYMarch 24, 2014
To the Editor: I would like to take this opportunity to thank the residents of the Village of Sea Cliff who voted on March 18 and to express my gratitude to those who made my re-election possible. No one wins an election alone. Many individuals contributed their time and efforts to the election campaign. I would like to especially acknowledge Dan Maddock, Cece Wheeler and the members of the Civic Progress Party for their support and guidance. I was extremely privileged to have Kevin McGilloway as a running mate. His business acumen will be a real asset to the Board and the residents of Sea Cliff. I look forward to working with Mayor Kennedy and Trustees Lieberman, McGilloway and Vogt in continuing the long tradition of volunteer leadership that has made Sea Cliff a wonderful place to live. Elena Villafane To the Editor:
Now that the Village of Sea Cliff election is over, and before I am sworn in as Trustee, I wanted to express my thanks to a number of people who contributed to my election. The most obvious point to begin is by thanking all those residents who voted for me. Also special thanks to fellow candidates Elena Villafane and John Reali who so generously counseled me in my first pursuit of an elected position. I also deeply appreciate the hard work performed by the many behind the scene people who made everything from distributing campaign signs to organizing meet- the- candidates gatherings run so smoothly and effectively (special thanks to Dan Maddock who coordinated everything). To one and all, Thank You! Beyond a simple thank you to all these people I can only reiterate my campaign pledge that I commit to doing my very best to represent the best interests of the residents of Sea Cliff by working in partnership with Mayor Kennedy and Trustees Lieberman, Vogt, and Villafane. Sincerely, Kevin McGilloway |